On the contrary. There has never been a single moment, not one in our entire history, where I've pitied you. And I see no reason before me to start now.

[ It's not her reaction which dissuades the feeling. Though, certainly, avoiding the worst of her ire would be a refreshing turn of events. No, the truth is that the woman in front of him has survived. Over and over again. Her body is a testament to that fact. As if survival wasn't enough, she's also grown. Allowed herself to believe, however slightly, in the value of compromise and opening up. If she hadn't, then would either of them be here right now?

Really, it's the very opposite of pitiable. It's admirable.

He just wishes, more than anything, that there was a way to reach out and show her those same beliefs. ]